CITYnews halifax: Police investigating arson after strip mall fire in Halifax

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

Crews were called to the Clayton Park neighbourhood for smoke coming from a commercial business.

It happened around 11:17 p.m. on Sunday. Reports from witnesses told firefighters they could see smoke coming from the strip mall near Glenforest and Lacewood drives.

The Station 5 team arrived and found “heavy smoke” coming from a unit within the strip mall. Bringing a hose quickly inside, the team was able to bring the flames under control before it could spread.

In a release, Halifax Regional Police confirmed they responded to a fire at the same time at the Flower Fox business, a cannabis store.

“It was reported that a suspect wearing dark clothing broke a storefront window and then threw an object into the business, which was believed to have started the fire,” officers said. “The suspect then fled the area on a bicycle.”

The fire was contained to the business.

“A quick response helped minimize damage and prevent further fire spread,” Halifax Professional Fire Fighters said in a release.

Crews tackled a fire in a business. (Atlantic Outdoors via HPFF)